Captain's Hart

Chapter 22 SHIELD

With just over two hours left until Insight's launch, Maria, Sam, Arianna and Steve walked determinedly towards the Triskelion. As they came upon the building, Arianna glanced back at Steve. He stood staring at what used to be their base, and beneath his newly 'borrowed' mask was a grim look of determination.

He caught her look and just said firmly: "Let's go."

She nodded and Maria led the way as the four slipped into the Triskelion. It was actually a little disappointing how easily they managed to get inside and if it wasn't for the fact that they were arguably the best agents- particularly with the highly ranked Maria with them- Arianna would've been ashamed of SHIELD's security.

Although, I suppose I should be thankful. She thought as they made their way easily down the stairs towards the technician room. At Steve's signal, Arianna punched the short code into her phone, sending a blast of feedback into the technicians' earpieces.

She quickly cut the feed before her signal could be traced, and pulled out her gun. Sam and Maria lifted their guns as well, the three flanking Steve as they waited. After a minute, the lock beeped and the door opened.

Arianna trained her gun on the tech who'd kindly unlocked the door for them, and the man flinched as he found himself facing three gun barrels. Steve stepped forward, saying politely: "Excuse us."

The man quickly lifted his hands in surrender as the other technicians also looked over questioningly. They immediately followed their comrade's example, raising their hands into the air as Captain America strode into the room, flanked by Maria Hill, Falcon, and Aria.

Arianna quickly took over one of the computers, easily bypassing security and pulling up the link they needed.

"129 minutes until launch." Maria informed them tensely, and Steve nodded as Arianna stood up again. The agent nodded at him as she gestured at the microphone.

"You're on." Arianna told him and Steve took a deep breath before leaning into the microphone.

"Attention, all SHIELD agents." He called and Arianna kept an eye on the computer to make sure his message would continue to be broadcast throughout the whole building.

"This is Steve Rogers. You've heard a lot about me over the last few days, some of you were even ordered to hunt me down. But I think it's time you know the truth." He paused, steeling himself before he informed the building: "SHIELD is not what we thought it was, it's been taken over by HYDRA. Alexander Pierce is their leader."

Arianna could hear a few sharp intakes of breath from the technicians behind them. She could only imagine how other agents were reacting.

"The STRIKE and Insight crew are HYDRA as well. I don't know how many more, but I know they're in the building. They could be standing right next to you. They almost have what they want: absolute control. They shot Nick Fury and it won't end there."

"If you launch those Helicarriers today, HYDRA will be able to kill anyone that stands in their way, unless we stop them. I know I'm asking a lot, but the price of freedom is high, it always has been, and it's a price I'm willing to pay. And if I'm the only one, then so be it."

He paused and glanced at Arianna as she did the same for him. Blue eyes met hazel as Steve finished firmly: "But I'm willing to bet I'm not."

He held Arianna's gaze as she clicked off the microphone without looking away from him. Maria watched with a determined expression, while Sam stepped forward and quipped: "Did you write that down first, or was it off the top of your head?"

Both Steve and Arianna's lips tugged up into small grins, and they broke eye contact to shoot amused looks at the smug man. The humorous moment was short-lived, however, and Steve's eyes became steely once more as he ordered: "Let's move out."